Hostage

By Alice Furey and Sheryl Tovar

~ Saturday, May 11^th 1974 ~

The man’s hands shook as he checked the small, snub-nosed pistol he’d pulled out of his pocket. Satisfied, he lifted himself off the seat and shoved the gun under the waistband of his jeans. He was just about to exit his vehicle when he heard the distinctive peal of wailing sirens. Cursing softly, he slid down in his seat and hurriedly tried to start his vehicle, swearing vehemently when the engine flooded.

He peered surreptitiously out of the window and watched as a fire department’s rescue vehicle pulled into the parking lot. He sighed with relief. Not the pigs! He exited the car and joined a growing crowd, curious as to the nature of the rescue.

An unconscious man lay on the ground. A panicky woman knelt next to him, clutching his hand and talking to him.

“’scuse us. Let us through please.”

The man looked up as he heard a familiar voice. His eyes narrowed as he regarded the rescue personnel. A dark-haired man was setting up equipment as a blond man busied himself with the downed victim. The man in the crowd inched a little closer, careful not to be noticed. He stared at the dark-haired paramedic. That can’t be....

“Johnny, he’s in v-fib,” the blond man called.

“Johnny…” the man whispered to himself. He moved a few inches closer, lost in the security of the crowd. He stared intently at the drama playing out in front of him, oblivious to everything but the dark-haired man.

By the time the rescue personnel were loading the victim in the ambulance, he was sure.

He turned before the crowd could disperse and headed back to his car. He started the engine with ease this time and took off, a plan formulating in his head. The rescue man worked for the fire department. Station 51, he thought. He’ll be easy to track down.

His hands thumped the steering wheel excitedly as he said aloud, “I need a place to lay low...and Johnny Gage, you owe me. And I do mean to collect.”

<><><><>

“Hey,” Johnny called out to the rest of the station crew as he and Roy returned from their run.

“Just in time.” Chet set a tray of cold cuts on the table.

“Gage is always just in time when food is involved,” Stoker commented into the mayonnaise jar he was scraping the last remnants out of.

“What? No pickles?” The captain glanced around the table, then shot Kelly a look of disbelief.

“Uh…sorry, Cap.” Chet shrugged, his expression apologetic. “Want me to run to the store and get some?”

“No, no…but next time….” Stanley pointed a warning finger at him before turning his attention on the two paramedics. “How’d it go?”

Roy sighed. “It was iffy, but he was still hangin’ on when we left. Rampart’s doing all they can for him.”

Hank nodded.

“What did you guys have?” Johnny asked, pouring a cold glass of milk. He bit into his sandwich.

Chet snorted. “Man, what a scene we were at. A guy burning leaves… he decides it would be easier to burn them while they’re still on the tree.

“No!” Roy laughed.

“I kid you not,” Chet continued, reaching for a slice of tomato.

Marco nodded. “Then the wind kicks up, blows some of the leaves onto his roof. Bam! His house is on fire.”

Johnny and Roy shook their heads in amazement.

“Wait, it gets better. About then,” Chet continued, “the wife pulls up....”

The ringing phone interrupted his story. Mike answered the call, then gestured to John. “Johnny. It’s for you.”

Johnny gulped down the rest of his milk and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He stood up and walked to the phone, taking the receiver from Mike’s outstretched hand. “Hello?” He frowned as he listened. “Who? Phil...Phil Simmons...uh, yeah...of course I remember...wow...it’s been a long time.... Yeah, good to hear from you.” He listened intently, absently scratching his cheek with a finger. “No, that’s fine. I’m just surprised ya found me.... Yeah, small world.... Breakfast…uh-huh, sure…uh…where--that’s off of...yeah, I know it. Okay…okay…I’ll see you then. Bye.”

Johnny hung up and stared at the phone for a few seconds. Sitting back down, he absently picked up his sandwich but didn’t take a bite.

“Earth to Gage?” Chet waved a hand in front of Johnny’s face.

Johnny jumped. ”What?”

“You’re a million miles away.” Roy stared at his partner suspiciously. “Everything okay?”

“Huh? Oh...yeah.” Johnny put down his sandwich. “That was an old...friend from high school. He’s in town; wants to have breakfast.” He frowned, lost in thought.

“That’s nice,” Hank prompted. “Isn’t it?”

Johnny shrugged. “I guess so. It’s just...well, I lost touch with this guy so long ago. We were pretty friendly at one point, but then he fell in with a bad crowd. So, we drifted apart.”

Mike nodded. “That happens, but people change.”

“Yeah,” Johnny said thoughtfully. “Yeah, you’re right. Hey, this could be fun, right?”

Everyone nodded. Johnny smiled and resumed eating.

<><><><>

Phil Simmons smiled slyly as he hung up the phone. His plan was in motion. Gage was meeting him. He knew if he played Johnny right, he’d have a place to lay low. Gage was always such a sap. A good hard luck story and I’m in. His eyes narrowed. And if he gives me trouble, well, I can take care of that too. He patted the small gun still tucked in his waistband.

<><><><>

~ Next morning ~

“So we’ll expect you around 6:00?” Roy finished buttoning his shirt and leaned closer to the obviously distracted man standing next to him. “Johnny? Are you even listening to me?”

Gage continued to stare blankly into his locker. “Huh?” He jumped when his partner waved a hand in front of his face. “I’m sorry, Roy, what’d you say?”

“I said, 'Dinner will be ready at 6:00.' What is with you?”

“I don’t know,” Gage answered and slowly came to life. He reached inside the locker and pulled a blue and white striped shirt off of a hanger. “It’s just so...so strange.”

Roy waited a moment, glancing at John out of the corner of his eye, wondering if he was going to continue.

“I mean I haven’t seen this guy in years. Why would he call me now?” Johnny slipped on his shirt and turned to Roy, looking as if he expected an answer.

Roy tried to look thoughtful. “Well, Jo--”

“I mean, don’t you think that’s strange, Roy? That he would just suddenly call me, out of the blue? And how’d he find me anyway?”

“Well, it could--”

“High school, Roy. I haven’t seen or heard from this guy since high school!”

Roy hesitated, wanting to be sure that Johnny was finished this time. “Maybe he just moved to town? He probably doesn’t know anyone and he looked you up?” He shrugged and closed up his locker.

“Maybe,” Johnny responded after moment of deep thought. “Yeah, you’re probably right. It’s still strange though.”

Roy chuckled, patting his friend on the shoulder and started for the door. “Your whole life is strange, partner.”

The dark-haired paramedic threw him a disgusted look. “Oh, very funny...partner.”

<><><><>

In the men’s restroom at Bea’s Pancake House, Phil Simmons quickly ran a disposable razor over his unshaven face, before swiping a comb through his unruly mop of hair. He hadn’t been able to shower for a few days and was really looking forward to one. “You don’t mind if I use your shower do ya...Johnny ol’ buddy?” He said to himself in the mirror. “No Phil, go right ahead and make yourself at home,” Phil answered himself in a higher pitched, childish sounding voice. He laughed menacingly and opened the door to search for a quiet, secluded booth.

<><><><>

Johnny took a deep breath and pulled open the door to the roadside diner. The place was fairly crowded, a popular spot frequented by truck drivers and travelers. How will I even find him in this place?

“JOHNNY?” a voice called out from the back of the restaurant.

Johnny looked around, craning his neck to peer over the small gathering of people that stood in the entrance. A taller man, with dark eyes and dull, dark brown hair, pushed his way through the crowd. The man’s features looked worn, or weathered -- much older than Johnny had imagined he would look. He speculated that Phil Simmons must have seen some rough times over the past few years.

“Johnny Gage!” The man smiled and grabbed him by the shoulders. “Long time no see, kid.”

“Well hi, Phil,” Johnny smiled, still a bit unsure. “I was beginning to think I’d never find you in this place.”

Phil put an arm around the smaller man’s shoulders and ushered him to a booth in the back of the restaurant. “You’re lookin’ great Gage. Life must be treatin’ you pretty good out here in LA.”

The two men sat down across from each other in the booth. Johnny smiled nervously and fumbled with his empty coffee cup, not really knowing what to say to this man he hadn’t spoken with for years.

Phil, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease. “So Johnny, tell me...what have you been up to since you made the big move out here?”

Johnny squirmed in his seat and glanced at the man across from him. “Oh, not too much, Phil," he said evasively. "How about you? What have you been up to?”

Phil threw his head back and laughed. “Not too much, huh? It’s been…what? Six, no seven, years and you say, ‘Not too much Phil.’”

Johnny laughed and shifted again. “Well...uh...I’m a firefighter, here in LA County.”

“A firefighter, huh? That’s really great, Johnny.” He nodded and smiled. “So...you married?” The larger man winked. “You always were pretty smooth with the ladies.”

“No, no...I’m not married.” He felt his face grow warm, which embarrassed him further, and his face grew warmer still. He cleared his throat and straightened in his seat. “What about you?”

“Nah, not the marrying type. Came close once. Lucky for her, she got away.” He winked at Johnny and laughed at his own joke. Johnny smiled weakly in return.

A waitress stopped at their booth, filling each mug with coffee and taking their orders. This was followed by a long, drawn out silence. Finally Phil spoke. “I’ll bet you’re probably wondering why I called you after all this time?”

Johnny shrugged a shoulder. “Well, yeah...sorta. I guess I was. I mean, it has been a long time.”

“I need to ask a favor, my friend,” Phil began smoothly.

“Oh,” Johnny said awkwardly. “Okay, sure.”

“I need a place to stay. Now before you answer--” Phil held out a hand to halt any protest. “It would just be for a few days until I could find a place of my own. You know, I just got into town and I’ve already got a couple of jobs lined up, but I could use a place to crash ‘'til I’m on my feet. I promise I’ll be outta your hair in no time.”

Johnny squirmed, obviously uncomfortable with the idea. “Well, I don’t know....”

“Come on, Johnny, for old time’s sake. Besides you do owe me, buddy.”

Johnny’s mouth dropped open. “Phil--”

“What was that girl’s name you used to have a crush on back in high school...Carrie Evans? It was Carrie Evans, wasn’t it?”

“Phil, that was not my fault,” Johnny hissed, looking around to see if anyone was listening.

“Nobody said it was, Gage.” Phil shrugged nonchalantly and took a long drink of his coffee. “It’s too bad about what happened to her. You haven’t had any other dates that ended up dead, have you?”

“Phil, you know I had nothing to do with what happened.”

Phil shook his head slowly. “Johnny, are you gonna tell me that you didn’t purposely get that girl drunk so you could...well, you know?” Phil's eyebrows lifted lasciviously.

Johnny simply stared at him with a stricken expression.

“Who covered for you, huh, Johnny? Who lied to the cops about the booze...for you?”

“But...you...you’re the one that bought it,” Johnny countered in a low voice.

“Johnny, Johnny, Johnny.... I can’t believe you. I bought it for you. You gave me the money. You were underage. I just was doing you a favor. I knew how you felt about that lil' gal. ”

“But...I didn’t....”

“Look John, just one little favor. I need a place to stay for a few days. That’s all I’m askin’. Just a place to stay. Come on, whaddaya say?”

Johnny blanched. He turned to the window, struggling to come up with the appropriate words. No! I’m sorry...you can’t.... He opened his mouth. “Sure, yeah...just a few days, right?

Phil grinned slowly. Bingo! I knew I could play this fool; always could. “Thanks, John, old pal. You won’t even know I’m there.”

Johnny smiled weakly and looked out the window. I’s going to be a long few days.

<><><><>

~ Tuesday morning ~

Roy whistled as he entered the locker room next shift. He stopped short when he spied his partner, sitting in his locker, brooding. “Hey, Johnny.”

No response. Roy raised an eyebrow. “Johnny?”

“Huh?” Johnny sat up, glancing at his partner. “Oh, hi.”

“Hi, yourself.” Roy studied his friend for a minute. “What’s up?”

“Nothing.” Johnny stood up and closed his locker door. He walked out of the room without another word.

Roy stared at his partner’s retreating back and frowned. Until Johnny decided to talk, it would be a long shift.

<><><><>

A few hours and many runs later, the crew sat down for lunch. Roy noticed that Johnny picked at his food, moving it around the plate a lot, but not up to his mouth. He still wouldn’t talk about whatever was wrong. Roy had stopped asking. When Johnny was tight-lipped, there was no dealing with him.

Chet, however, either didn’t notice Johnny’s funk or just didn’t care. Two minutes into lunch, he started. “So, Gage, how was the breakfast?”

Johnny looked up. “Huh?”

“Breakfast? With your high school buddy?”

Everyone looked up, interested.

Johnny frowned. “Okay.”

Chet leaned in, sensing a possible weakness. “What did he hit you up for?”

Johnny flushed. “What?”

Chet shifted in his seat. “You haven’t seen the guy in...what...years? And out of the blue, he calls you? It means one of three things....” He began to tick the items off on his fingers. “This guy’s a life insurance salesman looking to sell you a policy; you owe him money; or he hits you up for something.” The stocky fireman sat back. “Now, I’m betting he hit you up for something...so?”

The scarlet flush on Johnny’s face deepened.

Okay,, thought Roy, here we go. Leave it to Chet. He sat quietly, waiting for his partner’s answer.

Johnny shifted in his seat, trying to act casual. “He didn’t hit me up for anything. He’s new in town and just...needed a place to crash.”

“You didn’t let him stay with you, did ya?” Chet asked gleefully. He knew when he had Johnny on a hook and just how to reel him in.

Johnny dropped his fork, looking thoroughly disgusted. “Yeah, I did. He’s an old friend,” he stated defensively.

Chet shook his head. “Gage, Gage, Gage…worst thing you could have done!”

“Mind your own business, Kelly.” Johnny scowled at the firefighter.

Kelly shrugged. “Just looking out for you, buddy. This guy could be an ax-murderer or a wanted criminal...or worse, some slob who never leaves.”

Johnny shook his head. “He’s leaving in a few days.”

“That’s what he SAYS,” Chet continued as the other men listened interestedly. Roy frowned as he watched his friend squirm. I’m under the impression that part of you agrees with Chet on this, partner!

“Well,” Cap said. “I think it’s nice that you’d let him stay, John. I’m sure you won’t let him take advantage of you. Let’s talk about something else, okay, Chet?” His tone announced that the subject was closed

Chet shrugged willingly; he had had his fun. The conversation changed to a new topic. Roy glanced at his partner. Johnny’s head was down and he was still just pushing his food around his plate. For all his protesting, he doesn’t look to me like a guy who's enjoying his houseguest.

<><><><>

~ Thursday morning ~

Johnny rubbed his face wearily as he walked to his apartment door. It had been a hard shift, ending in a call to rescue a drowning child. The little girl hadn’t made it. All I want to do is take a hot shower and crawl into bed for a few hours. He tensed as he reached the door and heard the television blaring. Relaxation didn’t seem like even a remote possibility.

He opened the door and stopped short, surveying his living room. Papers were strewn carelessly about. Clothes hung on every chair. Two crushed beer cans sat on the end table; one, doubling as an ashtray. The remains of a sandwich littered the coffee table and among the chaos dozed Phil on the couch, his booted feet propped next to the sandwich plate.

Angrily, Johnny hastened across the room and turned off the TV. Phil peeled open one eye. “Whassamatter?”

“What’s the matter?” Johnny repeated. “This place is a pigsty! I don’t live like this.” He thumped himself on the chest for emphasis. “What happened to the job you were supposed to get?” He knocked Phil's feet off the table.

Phil sat back calmly. He lit a cigarette and shook out the match. He took a long drag and regarded Johnny as he blew the smoke out. “Well, I talked to my friend. It’s gonna be a few more days before I can start.”

Johnny ran his hand through his hair. “Look, Phil...I don’t think this is gonna work for me. I’m used to being alone.”

Phil nodded slowly. “Yeah, I understand. Just thought, with me being down on my luck and you owing me one...well you know.” He paused watching Johnny’s growing discomfort. Almost casually he added, “Hey, before I left Montana I ran into Miz Evans, Carrie’s ma. She still sure does miss her little girl. She said she ain’t never bought that suicide story and she wished someone, anyone, who knows something would come forward.”

Johnny’s eyes narrowed and his hands trembled slightly as he stared at the man sitting calmly on his sofa. “That’s not fair.”

Phil shrugged.

Johnny looked away, then back again, his mouth set in a grim line. “Two more days, Phil. Two more.”

Phil grinned. “Sure, Johnny. Anything you say, old pal.”

Johnny stalked off, slamming his bedroom door behind him. Phil watched him leave, his smile slowly fading. “Two...three...four…whatever it takes, my friend; whatever it takes.”

<><><><>

~ Saturday, May 18^th ~

Johnny’s mood hadn’t improved by the next shift. If anything, it was even surlier. Even Chet was giving the dark-haired paramedic a wide berth. Roy had tried twice to talk to Johnny, but both times his efforts had been politely rebuffed. Shortly after, the squad and engine had been toned out to their current rescue, a young boy who had climbed an oil refinery-cooling tower and was now stuck, too scared to climb down.

The men of 51 glanced up, discussing the best way to bring down the frightened child. Finally it was decided that the two paramedics would free climb the tower, drop a line and lower the boy to safety. Donning his safety belt, Roy threw a surreptitious glance at his partner. Johnny’s face still portrayed strain, but his manner was professional. “You ready?”

Johnny nodded.

The two men headed to the tower and began to climb. “Easy, okay?” Roy said with a grin, knowing his partner’s propensity for quick movements.

Johnny glanced at his partner, but didn’t respond. Roy noted happily that the younger man maintained an even speed. Within minutes they reached the frightened boy. The child looked to be about eleven. His face was white, as were his knuckles.

“Hi, kiddo. My name is Johnny. This is my partner, Roy. We’re gonna get you down from here, okay?” Johnny studied the boy as he saftied off to the steel bars of the tower. After a few seconds, the child nodded slowly.

“What’s your name?” Roy asked.

“Danny.”

“Okay, Danny.” Roy moved a step closer. “I’m going to put this safety belt around you. Okay? Then, I’ll attach it to mine and we’ll go down together. You’ll be fine, okay?”

The boy nodded again.

Johnny smiled gently. “Long way up, huh, Dan?”

Danny nodded once more, still not speaking.

“So, what made you decide to climb all the way up here?”

“D...Dare.”

“Someone dared you?”

Danny nodded. “My...my friend, Jimmy.”

Roy finished fastening the safety belt to his own. Johnny tilted his helmet up on his head. “Where did your friend Jimmy go?”

“He...he took off when I got stuck up here.”

Johnny and Roy exchanged a glance. “Doesn’t sound like a good friend,” Roy remarked.

Danny didn’t answer. Slowly, Roy began to climb down, the boy holding on tightly. As they neared the bottom, Danny dared to look down. “Ut-oh.”

Roy glanced below. A police squad car had just pulled up and a distraught woman had exited the vehicle. She was talking animatedly to Captain Stanley and staring up worriedly at the descending pair.

“Is that…?” Roy started to ask.

“My mom.” Danny squeezed his eyes shut. “Now, I’m really gonna get it.”

A few more minutes and they reached the bottom of the tower. Roy had barely unfastened Danny’s safety belt before his mother reached him, embracing him in a big bear hug.

“Thank God you’re safe! Why would you do something like that?” The woman ended the hug, and grasped the boy by the shoulders.

Roy watched his partner deftly descend the tower; once Johnny was safely on the ground, he turned his attention to the child and his mother.

“Oh, ma!” The boy cried, his expression flitting between relief and embarrassment.

Exchanging a glance, Johnny pulled his gloves off and began gathering their equipment while Roy turned to answer the woman. “He said his friend, Jimmy, dared him.”

The mother’s mouth thinned. “Jimmy! What have I told you about that boy, Danny? He’s trouble and he’s gonna take you down with him.”

Roy nodded in silent agreement. He turned to Johnny, surprised to see a distraught look on his partner’s face. He frowned, moving to help the other paramedic gather the ropes and belts. “You okay?” he asked as he watched Danny and his mother leave.

“Fine,” Johnny answered hollowly. “Fine.” He walked to the squad.

Roy stared after his friend. Just what is eating at you?

<><><><>

Johnny lay in his bunk with his left arm tucked behind his head. His eyes were open as he listened to the soft snoring sounds of his co-workers. He couldn’t sleep. The words of Danny’s mother kept ringing in his ears.

What have I told you about that boy? He’s trouble and he’s gonna take you down with him. He’s trouble...he’s trouble....

His mind drifted and the voice changed to that of his father.

“What have I told you, boy? Stay away from Phil Simmons. He’s trouble waitin’ to happen and he’ll take you down with him...down with him...down with him....”

Johnny rolled over, trying to empty his mind of the words and the images that came with them. Finally, he gave up the pretense of sleep, throwing off the covers. He was nearly to the washroom when the tones sounded. Hurrying back to his bunk, he pulled on his bunker pants, then followed his partner out to the squad.

Soon, they were at the sight of a motor vehicle accident. The front end of a older Ford Mustang was crushed into a streetlight.

“Looks like we’ll probably need the K-12.” Johnny called over his shoulder as he trotted to the vehicle, attempting to force open the door. He glanced in. “We have two victims here, Roy.”

He could see the back of their heads, glistening with blood and glass fragments. He shook his head. What a mess! He stepped back as Chet approached with the K-12 and began to pry open the stuck door. As soon as the door was popped, Johnny reached in to feel for the victim's carotid pulse. Leaning the teenaged boy back from the steering wheel, he attempted to palpate a pulse. The strong scent of spilled beer wafted from the car. Chet looked at Johnny questioningly. Pulling back, Johnny glanced at Chet with hooded eyes and shook his head. The two headed over to the passenger side where Roy was working on extracting a second victim. Johnny looked hopefully at his partner, but Roy leaned out of the vehicle and shook his head sadly. Johnny turned away and kicked the tire. Their skills would be useless on this rescue.

<><><><>

It was a dejected crew that returned to the station after the call. Everyone slowly drifted back to the dorm, wearily dropping wordlessly into his bunk. Johnny threw his arm across his eyes, now trying to rid his mind of the image of the two dead boys. It was a long time before he finally drifted off to sleep.

<><><><>

“Johnny, I’m telling you this for your own good. Your mother and I love you, we’re very proud of you, but when you hang out with that Simmons boy you have a completely different personality. Johnny, Philip Simmons is just no good. We think that he’s a bad influence on you. I want you to give me your word that you’ll stay away from him.”

“But dad--”

“John, you’re only in high school. He’s twenty years old, too old to be running around with you.”

“Dad, Philip is my friend. I promised I wouldn’t ever go in that bar again, but you can’t--”

“Johnny, I’m not going to argue with you. Now, I want your word.”

Johnny clenched his jaw angrily and nodded without looking up at his father.

<><><><>

“You got the money, Gage?” The older boy asked as he tossed a lighted butt onto the ground and crushed it out with his steel-tipped work boot.

“I got it, I got it.” Johnny stuffed his hand in to the front pocket of his jeans, pulling out a crumpled wad of bills and handing them to the older boy. “I hope you’re right about this, Phil.”

“Have I ever steered ya wrong before, buddy?” His friend cajoled, grabbing the money, counting it and placing it into his billfold. “Be right back.”

Johnny watched Phil jog across the street and enter the liquor store. Sighing, he shifted nervously in the passenger’s seat of the old pick up truck. He felt more than a little guilty for going against his father’s wishes, but Phil was his friend.

A few minutes later, Phil Simmons exited the store with a small paper bag obviously containing a bottle clutched in one hand; he gave Johnny a thumbs- up signal with the other.

<><><><>

“There she is!” Johnny pointed excitedly when he spotted a petite girl with a long dark ponytail walking across Main Street.

“Okay, okay. I see her. Just keep your pants on, Gage.” The older boy snickered slyly as he maneuvered the truck toward the curb.

“Hey Carrie, whatcha doing?” Johnny called out as the pickup truck slowed and turned the corner, following the girl.

“Hi Johnny," she smiled shyly. "I was just going to see if anyone was at the corner store. What are you guys doing?”

“Just cruisin’ around. Wanna get in?” John grinned, perched halfway out of the passenger’s window.

“I shouldn’t.” She smiled innocently at the boy, whose dark eyes lighted up.

“Oh, come on, Carrie. We’re just driving around a little. I’ll see you home.” He smiled his already disarming grin at the girl.

Carrie shrugged. “Okay.”

Johnny hopped out held open the door for her to get into the truck and then climbed back in after her.

“Hi Phillip,” she greeted coolly, scooting closer to Johnny.

“Carrie,” replied Phil with a nod.

They drove up and down the entire Main Street twice, with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up. Johnny leaned into the warm, summer breeze, smiling and closing his eyes. The sun was setting and the high school kids, as usual, were hanging out all along the street. There was a small gathering outside of the corner store and they waved as the truck passed. At the opposite end of the street was a park, with a shelter and picnic tables; even more kids were congregated there.

“Get out the bottle, John.” Phil directed, raising his eyebrows, smiling at the girl seated between them.

Johnny reached under the seat and pulled out the bottle of whiskey.

<><><><>

“Oh man...I don’ feel s’good,” Johnny slurred, trying to hold back the conten